Filing System 101

Is your filing system more like a “piling” system? Do you have piles of paperwork surrounding you…on your desk, on top of file cabinets? If so, it’s time create a solid filing system for yourself. If you’re lacking a filing system, hanging file folders are a simple and easy way to store documents you need to refer to later. When creating a system, keep these tips in mind:

1. First, sort through your paperwork and keep ONLY the things you will need to refer to again or need for tax purposes.
2. Sort papers into categories that make sense to you.
3. Create labels for your folders. Whatever you normally call the document should be the name you put on the label. I recommend using a label maker so the labels are clear and consistent.
4. Position labels in the same location on all folders so your eyes can quickly and easily find what you need (I promise it works).
5. Don’t create a “Misc.” file. If it’s not good enough to have a name, it isn’t good enough to have a file.

Don’t bother filing papers you can easily find somewhere else. According to a study by Leader-Post newspaper, 80% of what we file NEVER gets looked at again.